A flow-batch analyzer using a low cost aquarium pump for classification of citrus juice with respect to brand.

This paper proposes a novel flow-batch analyzer (FBA), which employs a compact, low-cost aquarium air pump as an alternative to a peristaltic pump. The feasibility of using this simple propulsion device is demonstrated in a case study involving the classification of citrus juice samples with respect to brand. For this purpose, UV-vis spectra and SIMCA (soft independent modelling of class analogies), PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares for Discriminant Analysis) and SPA-LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis with variables selected by the Successive Projections Algorithm) are employed. Good classification results were obtained, thus indicating that the proposed FBA system is a viable alternative to the use of more costly peristaltic pumps. In addition, the smaller size and weight of the aquarium pump are useful features for the construction of portable FBAs to be deployed in field applications.